The UK's main free-to-air broadcasters will come together tonight to broadcast the same film at the exact same time.

The unique event will showcase the role that UK broadcasters play in our way of life and will feature images of British scenery alongside clips from shows such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Gogglebox and This Morning.

Our Stories will air at 8.58pm across a total of 21 channels, including BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, STV, S4C, 4Seven, E4, More4, Film4, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITVBe, 5STAR, 5USA, 5Select, Paramount Network, and BBC Four.

Tony Hall, outgoing director-general of the BBC, explained: "British free to air television - commissioned from the UK and produced in the UK - is here for everyone. We bring people together for the big moments - from a royal wedding to the World Cup.

"We are there at times of crisis and to provide comfort, laughter, education and entertainment. We do something special for the UK and provide authentic British programmes that our rivals simply don't offer."

ITV's chief executive Carolyn McCall added: "Our mission is to tell stories that reflect the diversity of life today in our nations and regions. We aim to engage with viewers from all walks of life.

"From the excitement of our big entertainment shows, to the power and creativity of dramas and soaps to the depth and breadth of our documentaries and national and regional news and sport, our focus is reflecting a full range of experiences, bringing people's lives centre stage and providing insight into how we see ourselves as well as how we look out into the wider world."

The four broadcasters already work together on the UK version of BritBox, although the new film will not directly reference the subscription service.